Inspired by the success of their Big Trek to Nepal in June, Sydenham High is now aiming to raise more cash for the stricken region – this time to build a school.

The chosen location is the isolated village of Bishinghar in Sindhupalchok, Central Nepal.  This is one of the areas worst hit by the earthquakes in April and May, which left more than 200 children and their teachers without a secure building and proper sanitation. The children are currently taught in aid tents and under a canopy for shelter and shade.

The aim is to build a new school that will not only house the current pupils but also encourage more local families to send their children there for an education instead of keeping them working on the land.

The new fundraising effort is being led by the Sixth Form, in partnership with the In Your Hands charity for the people of Nepal.  Founded by long-standing friends Pauline Sanderson and Sydenham High parent Jo Pawley, the In Your Hands charity is already helping to rebuild the community.

The first fundraising event was a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party with food kindly donated by catering suppliers Simply Lunch and Tasty Affair; entertainment from performers across the school; a fancy dress competition and an exciting auction of promises.

The themed evening was so successful that it raised more than half the £3,000 school rebuilding target.

The next fundraiser is in the run up to Christmas: the Sixth Form will be selling specially produced wall calendars, featuring the photos from the London Through The Ages History photographic competition, at £4, and school branded shopping bags at £1.